So far this season, the combination of Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula and running back Ahmad Hardy has been a nearly unstoppable force in the backfield for the Tigers.
The two athletes have combined for 964 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground, leading the game for the Missouri Tigers' run game. However, as the Auburn Tigers prepare to host Mizzou, the Auburn defense should have the perfect answer for the two-headed running machine.
Yes, the Missouri rushing game is undeniably one of the best in the country, ranked as the No. 7 team for EPA (expected points added) per run play.
Nevertheless, the Auburn defense ranks first in all of FBS for shutting down the run, with opponents expecting to add -0.30 points per rushing play.
However, Pribula and Hardy aren't the only rushing threats on Missouri's roster. The running back room also boasts Jamal Roberts, who has 400 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, and Marquise Davis, who has 200 rushing yards for two touchdowns. Yet, the QB1 and RB1 are the biggest threats to Auburn's chances of victory.
Auburn vs. Missouri will be decided at the line of scrimmage
If Auburn's defensive line can continue to dominate at the line of scrimmage, the Missouri run game will effectively be shut down, meaning that Mizzou would have to rely on Pribula's passing game, which hasn't been perfect this season.
Even with a 72.8 percent completion rate, Pribula has earned just 1,370 yards and 11 touchdowns through the air, while also throwing five interceptions through the first six games of the season.
Meanwhile, the Auburn defense has already racked up 18 sacks for 106 yards, alongside 13 pass deflections and two interceptions, which were returned for 74 total yards. The defensive unit has also earned three fumble recoveries on three forced fumbles.
Simply put, if the Auburn offense plays at its best, the AU Tigers should easily be able to take down the Missouri Tigers, especially if they can shut down Pribula and Hardy at the line of scrimmage.
This Saturday, the Auburn Tigers and Missouri Tigers are scheduled to kick off at 6:45 p.m. CT, and fans can tune into the SEC Network to catch their team in action.